Sir David fall asleep on the table. He woke up when an Innkeeper Lady split water on his head.
- Drink this knight. - she sad.
- What's that!?
- Milk.
- Breast? - Ask David when he looked on the lady's giant jucie boobs.
- Cow...
David slip of the Milk and shouted:
-All guests can enjoy a drink! I invated all of you for a beer!

As she was going to the recruitment office, Amanda was thinking of her future; will she do good or how tough the enemies could be. She recalled her teachers, who were persistent in her education, but they wanted to study her as a being made of magic than anything else.

One day, she got lost in the Academy and found a room, filled with all sorts of beings. She saw a very beautiful butterfly and opened the jar. The butterfly flew off, but it did give Amanda some joy in life, even if she was scolded after, since the room was to be off limits for people like her. Freedom of life is what she wanted and granted to the butterfly and wished to be freed from the Academy, to carve her own path of destiny.

Amanda snaps out of the moment and is saddened to see a lot of soldiers preparing for war, knowing war will destroy many people's lives. Without further ado, Amanda arrived to the recruitment office and decided to wait for a few people, who were standing in the line to receive tasks.
____________Come and visit the Might and Magic Wikia!

- My good man - Zayl addressed the barkeep while wiping his lips of any crumbs of the pie crust - Have a room for us ready, when we get back.
- I'm sorry good sir, we?- The barkeep was a bit confused.
- Yes. We.- Zayl said in such a tone that one could understand that he's referring to himself. He placed some more of the local coinage on the table.
- We believe that should cover the cost.
- Yes, it's more than enough. You want anything special to be delivered to your room?
- Another bottle of "Giselle" would be lovely- Zayl smiled, finished his drink and placed his headscarf back on his face.
- Everything will be ready when you return - The barkeep said.
- Excellent. We'll be seeing you- Zayl said as he turned to the door.
Some moments later he was standing in the hastily shortening line by the recruitment office.
____________
Lithuanian folklore:
The Good and the Evil grab a few beers and go to watch how the neighbor's house is burning down.
* * *
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior

The interior, much like the facade of the office was not that interesting. A short hallway led from the entrance to a wide room. It was decorated by Karstonian banners on the walls, but other than that it was bland. Wooden benches were lined by the walls, with recruits sitting on them. Newcomers went to the right side of the room where a scribe sitting by a table was writing down their info, while a Karstonian officer would give them a badge each, signifying their allegiance to the army. On the other side of the room was a door leading to the officer's quarters.

Gulston approached the scribe, a petite, aging and frail man. His hand was shaking as he wrote.
"Name, last name, age, place of birth", the scribe said.
"Gulston Jarrett, thirty-three, capital of Tribilia's Republic of Fistel Erarn", Gulston said off the bat, "Is that all the info you need?"
The scribe wrote that down, then raised his head and looked Gulston in the face. After examining him for a few moments, the scribe looked down upon the paper and penned something down, although Gulston couldn't tell what.
"Do you have any affiliation with the Mebruan kingdom, past or present?" the scribe asked.
"No, sir", Gulston answered.
The scribe started writing something again.
"Very well, and how about war experience? Do you know anything about fighting?", he asked.
"I am a sellsword. Been one for fifteen years. Never participated in wars before, but I took part in few small skirmishes", Gulston replied confidently.
Again the scribe started writing. "Do you intend on joining the army, or are you here to fight as a mercenary?" the man asked.
"The latter", Gulston said.

"That would be all... Gulston of Erarn", said the officer, "You will be given this badge now. It signifies that you are with the Karstonian military. Wear it from now on if you wish to travel further inland, otherwise leave, as we cannot allow confusion in our ranks."
The officer handed over the badge to Gulston; he took it and put it on. The badge itself was made of silver, with the Karstonian hand and sword symbol engraved on it. There were other badges, too - copper, bronze and gold, each on a separate pile behind the officer.
The officer took out a small purse from beneath the desk. "This is to cover your expenses for a few days", he said as he put it on the table, "You should go to Fort Geham, our main fortification on the island, and report there to my superiors, or go to a fort on the border and await for the fighting to start. Your choice."
Gulston nodded, took the purse and left the building.

Once outside, he returned to the inn and went straight to his room.
____________

"Next!" A voice could be heard saying this after the last man exited the room.
Titus stepped in and saw the scribe, handling a paper.

"Name, last name, age, place of birth", the scribe asked.
"Titus Larkh, Sixty-two from South Myrus in Hestinelle" he calmly answered, then stood in silence, in the mean time the scribe was writing on his papers, once he stopped he eyed Titus fora while, then interrupted the stand-off asking: "Have you had any affiliation with the Mebruran Kingdom Hestan?"
"Until now I've lived secluded in the temple of Inshar, this has been my first stop in my spiritual mission."
The scribe continued writing on the papers, then asked: "You mentioned a temple, do you have any proficiency in healing magic?"
"As a priest of Avalaya I've learned both healing and soul magic, I've offered my services to various craftsmen and the local guards more than once."
While noting the last statements the scribe asked: "Do you intend to join the army? Or would you rather operate on our behalf as a mercenary?"
"I only need a way to assist the people involved in this conflict, but if I need to also help your soldiers, then I'll join as a mercenary if you don't mind"

At the end of the procedure Titus was given a badge, some gold and directions on where to receive further orders, then was dismissed.

Titus then left the building, and then headed for the local temple to ask the local priests for a place to stay during the night.
____________
PLVTOCRATIC AND REACTIONARY DEMOCRACIES OF THE WEST

Peculiar young lady that Victoalia pondered. The seat now empty she noticed a number of patrons looking her way. What would come next was obvious and there was but a single way of avoiding it. She stood up and walked over to the bar again.

"I trust that my room is ready" she asked the keep who nodded back.

"All yours. would you like us to bring your food up when it's ready? it shouldn't be long now"

"That would be terrific. Say, what wines do you have? I'd like you to bring your best up with my meal"

"As you wish"

~~

knock-knock the door sounded and a female voice called out that her dinner was there. Victoalia answered the door to meet one of the barmaids. She was holding a tray with a plate filled with her dish, a glass and a bottle of wine. Her face was adorned with a somewhat nervous but determined smile, clearly afraid of messing up with such an important guest.

"Marvelous!" Victoalia exclaimed letting her in. "Say, could you stay a while? You are a relief after the activity downstairs" she continued as she sat down to eat.

"Y-yes, of course"

"You haven't had a guest of my caliber here before, have you?" The maid, getting somewhat uncomfortable with the situation, merely shook her head in response.

"Oh, forgive me. Please sit down and have a drink" The bottle was already uncorked so Victoalia merely had to pour some up and handed the glass over as her companion took her seat across from her. She took a mouthful and she turned noticeably calmer.

"There you are. No need to be so tense. I merely wish for some company for supper" She took a bite of food and a gulp of wine before continuing. "Say, I'm feeling dreadfully sore after my journey here. Would you be a dear and heat up the bath? And tell me your name"

"Yes, Of course, and its Amelia" Amelia said as she stood up again and went over to the wall with the tub. most of it was prepared: it was filled with water and the firewood were put in its place. Victoalia observed as she started the fire, slowly heating the water as the noblewoman ate.

~~

"Your bath is ready"

"Marvelous!" the Countess let out as she stood up and approached the maid. "Help me out of this, will you?" she said, turning to let Amelia untie and undress her. As it was laid on the bed, Victoalia entered the hot water, letting out an audible sigh.

"Amelia, could you fetch me my wine? ...mmh, thank you. Say, would you be interested in staying for the night? You will be compensated of course, perhaps in more ways than one"

"I'm not sure, milady. What is it you want me to do?"

Victoalia stepped out of the bath and took up the towel, surrounding herself. She circled the maid slowly. "Nothing too hard, I assure you. Fetching the chamber pot, opening or closing the windows, getting the occasional drink or snack, dressing me in the morning and maybe-" she took up her hand and dragged along Amelias shoulder as she walked in behind her "-if you're feeling up to it,-" she leaned in behind her, mouth against Amelia's (who was starting to blush profoundly) ear, and whispered into it "-give me some passion" she finished, grinning. She needed a servant and so far Amelia had been satisfactory but she needed to know if she was willing to go the extra mile for her.

Amelia was at this point visibly shaking, though from what wasn't entirely clear. But at last she broke the silence with a "-yes milady. Of course". Victoalia was pleased with the outcome. She hadn't been here a day yet had already found a potential partner and secured a servant. Things were looking good.

"You! I was searching for you! You stupid woman, you will pay for what you have done!" a man replied, the same man from whom Amanda obtained her first money.

The man drew out a dagger and started attacking Amanda, who parried the attack with her sword. The crowd was watching this battle.

"I do not want to fight you. But if you insist, so be it. Be a fool." Amanda belittled the man, who got even more furious.

Amanda casted a frozen breath spell to limit his movement, but no effect was done. "I am not affected by your flimsy spells. No, not after your threat to burn me like a candle. I drank a spell to boost my resistances." The man quickly dashed and stabbed Amanda in the heart, or so would it seem. Amanda slashed the man's chest, knocking him on the ground. She pointed her sword at his throat, seemingly to end his life. The crowd noticed under Amanda's slashed robe was a piece of armor, with a scratch of the dagger.

However, she placed her sword in the scabbard. "I won't end your life, that would be under my own level. However, I will do this." Disarming the man, Amanda dragged the man and threw him before the guards, who arrest the man. With the matter settled, Amanda goes in the recruitment office. A scribe, who was obviously tired, started asking Amanda questions.

"Please state your name, surname, age and birthplace.", the scribe stated, with an annoyed voice.
"Amanda, 17, capital of Avalen. As for surname, leave blank."
The scribe stated "Amanda Blank, 17, Avalen." Amanda tried to reply about the blank, but decides not to do anything.
"Have you had any connection with the Mebruran Kingdom Hestan?"
"No, this is the first time I have visited the kingdom."
The scribe continued writing and asked "Do you have any fighting experience?"
"I just jailed a man. Oh, and I also battled some rats. Finally, I know some simple spells from Elemental Magic."
"Uh-huh", the scribe noted, who was clearly surprised by the answer.
"Are you a mercenary or do you want to join the army?" the scribe stated.

With a decisive answer, Amanda stated "Army". The scribe nodded to a solider, who gave Amanda a bronze medal. Amanda placed the medal on her armor, covered by the robe she was wearing. The officer also gave directions to Amanda where to go next, and was also congratulated for joining the army.
____________Come and visit the Might and Magic Wikia!

The scribe looked at him as if he was some oddity, and with a bit of suspicion as well.
"The Shadewraith" - Some had murmured, the scribe included.

- Name, last name, age, place of birth -, the scribe said while examining Zayl's face, and trying to remain professional and keep his crap together.
- Zayl. Just Zayl. Eight hundred and fifty eight, born in the Castle of Thermsbury, Tribilia.
- Allright. - The scribe said, with a sign of doubt while writing down Zayl's age. All of them were like this.
- Do you have any affiliation with the Mebruan kingdom, past or present?- He asked while looking at Zayl.
- Last Mebruan that We affiliated with died three hundred years ago.
- Very well... Battlefield experience..? - The scribe inked his quill.
- Plenty. We do excel at infiltration and causing confusion at the enemy ranks. Also, if this gives any credit, We delved into one of the Blackstone Fortresses and came out alive.
- Noted. - Th scribe said. Fascination was heard in his voice. - I presume you're a skilled sorcerer?
- Indeed. Shadowmancy, my good man. Near Master level of shadowmancy. We had plenty of time to practice - Zayl said with a slight smile.
- Last question sir. Do you intend on joining the army, or are you here to fight as a mercenary?
- Mercenary. More freedom this way. - Zayl replied.
The scribe finished writing the document, marked it with a seal and handed Zayl a badge. His badge was golden. Zayl placed the badge on the sleeve on his right arm. He was also given a small coinpurse, and given the same instructions as everyone else.
For now, Zayl wanted to return to the inn he had purchased a room in.
____________
Lithuanian folklore:
The Good and the Evil grab a few beers and go to watch how the neighbor's house is burning down.
* * *
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior

Lucy folded the two pieces of paper in half and stuck them in her coat. She left the inn and proceeded to a small alley. The stench of recently dumped sewage clung to the air. She heard footsteps. A man wearing a black cloak stepped out of the shadows.

"You came, and here I thought you would continue to cower, even on the other side of the world."
"The Sixth Quartet do-"
"Does not fear anything, yes, yes. Except for his majesty, apparently.", she smiled, the man lowered his head slightly shamed.

"Here are my instructions," she produced the papers,"If you perform them adequately payment will be made in full."
"We can go home?"
"Yes."

He began to reach for the papers, then abruptly stopped.

"And how do YOU expect to convince your father of this?"
"My uncle is my father's confidant at court and he is wrapped around my finger.", still smiling she pressed the papers against his hand. He snatched them out of her hand and read them over carefully, twice.

"This is a lot of stipulations."
"And each one shall be treated as carefully as the next, understood?"
"The Sixth Quartet makes no mi-"
"Mistakes, well, except one", she twisted her smile evilly.

His face was slightly red, nonetheless, he pocketed the papers and bowed, "We are at your service."

"Good."

Lucy exited the alley and yawned. So much to do, so little time. A chill breeze was coming off the bay as she walked up to the recruitment building. The thought of a warm bed began to encroach upon her conscious mind, and she almost hit into the door of the recruitment office. It was late and the building was emptying fast. She approached the scribe.

"Name, last name, age, and place of birth", he said wearily.
"Lucy Poppitot, 27, Grand Port Chesmaire, Essoglen."
"Do you have any affiliation with the Mebruan kingdom past or present?"
"No."
"Battlefield Experience?"
"None."
"Skills, then."
"An adept hexer, I am also skilled in the deployment of..."battle blessings" which I use to subsidize my average blade work."
"Will you be fighting as a soldier or mercenary."
"Mercenary."
"Very well. That is all."

The scribe gave her a badge and sack of money, then shouted for the next person.

"Does he ever sleep, ugh, who cares, I will", she thought.

Lucy left the building and returned to the inn as quickly as she could. A bit of work today, but it would all pay off in the end. Taking off her glasses, she fell asleep.
____________
"Don't resist the force. Redirect it. Water over rock."-blizzardboy

Amanda makes it to a courtyard and stands in a straight formation with others. She notes other people were nearly the same age as her and didn't seem to be adventurers. There weren't many women, however, as a lot of women were afraid of the incoming war and sent their husbands into battle. Those that joined the army wanted to serve the kingdom, and were waiting for the commander to arrive.

Being nervous, Amanda asked the person next to her: "Psst, can you tell me what are we waiting for?"

A young man, barely in his twenties, said to Amanda: "Once the commander arrives, everyone will be assigned to squads. More will be explained afterwards Haven't you read the scroll given to you at the recruitment center?" asked the man in confusion, raising his eyebrow up.

"I didn't have much time to read. I was busy following these odd directions."
"I see. I have a question-" before the man could ask, the commander arrives, with some captains.
"Attention!" the commander shouted; everyone stood firmly in place silent.
"I will start calling your names, maggots, and you are to be assigned to a squad, then you are to get your lazy butts over to the corresponding captains, who'll take you to the barracks. If I see you in another squad, I'll personally make sure to kick you out of the army! F***!" the commander was furious and spat down to the ground, then started swearing out of a sudden. Amanda knew this was a person she mustn't offend, for her very life could depend on it.

The commander started calling out names and assigned some of them to Night Squad, Axe Squad, Arrow Squad, Grey Squad and Shark Squad. The captains shook their flags for the person to come to them.

The commander has spoken almost all names. He speaks the last name from the list, but sees nobody else present. "Deserted the army before he could even join." The commander rips the list into pieces and starts outraging, so much he'd probably even attack his own mother, or so Amanda thinks.

The commander goes elsewhere, while the captains take the squads into the building. Amanda looks at her other squad members: three boys and a girl.

"Hey, what was with those squad names?" Amanda asked, out of curiosity.

The captain replies: "Oh, those are just symbolic names. Night Squad is composed of those that operate in the shadows, mostly ex-thieves and such. Axe Squad is mostly heavy infantry, while Arrow Squad are rangers, archers and marksmen. Sharks are sailors and the grey are unspecified, who have odd skills." Amanda feels lucky the captain isn't rude and all furious like the commander. "We, the Fusion Squad, are spellcasters."

Amanda feels honored, thinking joining the army would grant her prestige and fame around the lands, once she advances in the rank. At least, that's what she thought until she entered the smelly, dusty barracks. The air was heavy and stale, the beds look they could collapse under any moment. There was one window, from which sunlight came through.

"These are your temporary quarters. I'll return soon, just have to file up some paperwork. Do not go anywhere, please." with that, the captain disappears.

An awkward silence was in the air.

Breaking the silence, one of the squad members, Logan, tries to say something.

"So, uh, do you, like, uh, like war?"
Amanda nearly palms her face at such a question. "Are you annoying us on purpose?"
"Er, no, I was just, gwa!" Logan started sobbing out of a sudden, as if he was cursed or something.
"Fine, here's a question: why did you join the military?" one of the boys, Vladik, asked the question and helped Logan stand up.
"I was forced by my parents, else I'd be a disappointment to them." the third boy, Aster, replied, annoyed he was being forced to become a part of the military.
"Me? I, um, wanted to, er, grow some, ah, confidence." Logan was still shaking.
"I just came here to escape forced marriage. I don't care what happens now and after to everyone else. In fact, I only care to spend some time with some *males*". The girl, Sylvia, focuses her attention to the boys, who are startled by this response.

Amanda does not like that kind of tone, but hopes it will change soon. "Unlike you, I wish for honor and glory, which the army could give me. One day, when I gain enough fame, I could even have the power to form a new kingdom of law! And while doing so, I could visit other places and buy some fancy new things!" Amanda's eyes start glittering at her wish.

"Sounds boring." Sylvia spits on the ground, obviously disrespecting Amanda, who is even more furious.
"I am an orphan and now, when I am 18, I decided to join the army. Heh, I can't lose anything while being in here." Vladik replied with a smile, which is actually empty, with no actual joy.
____________Come and visit the Might and Magic Wikia!

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast Zayl decided to make his way to Fort Geham, where the supposed bulk of the forces reside. For the road he took a wineskin as well as some food with him as well. The meal consisted of smoked kielbasas and some local breads.
The roads were busy, with the remainder of the armies, as well as sellswords of all calibers made their way to the fort.
Zayl however kept some distance from the rest of the force, since every now and again some young upstart with more balls than brain would try and start a fight with him.
____________
Lithuanian folklore:
The Good and the Evil grab a few beers and go to watch how the neighbor's house is burning down.
* * *
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior

The captain arrived and gave everyone some papers. "Read this, then go to sleep. We ride off early in the morning." With that, the captain closed the door.

Out of all the useful information Amanda has read is the fact that every time the army finds some gold, a part of it sent to the kingdom's quarters, while most other stuff any individual finds can be taken without repercussions. Other things mentioned in the paper are loyalty, honor, the fact a soldier can train in the camps and so on.

Other people comment how they wished for more gold, except for Sylvia, who just crumpled the paper and threw it in a garbage can without even reading.

Everyone went to sleep soon after. Due to the strange quality of the bed, Amanda barely manages to get comfortable to sleep. However, during the night, Amanda wakes up at night and hears some giggles and how someone is getting tickled, but does not see who could it be.

In 4 AM, the captain opens the door and blows his trumpet. Out of this unexpected event, Amanda falls on the floor, feeling tired for not having a quality sleep - and not even getting *enough* sleep.

"Everyone, pack your things. We must leave for the training camp, which is two hours away. Fortunately for you, we will be riding horses." the captain stated.
Logan was still in shock. "Good-knees, I near-rrly had a heaa-art attack." Everyone packed their things, except for Sylvia, who still laid in bed and ignored everyone.
"Come on, Sylvia, we don't have much time. You can't stay here." Amanda tried to force Sylvia, who simply showed her middle finger gesture. Amanda was furious, but had an idea.
"Bring me some rope and a blanket." The boys delivered the items, so Amanda had no trouble in tying Sylvia up, who was dragged to the stables. "That's an unusual way to do stuff. I like it, though." the captain was glad he didn't have to shout and outrage this early in the morning.

After setting Sylvia on the saddle, everyone chose their horse. Amanda chose a black one, whose name was Schwarz.

"Oh, you chose the old Schwarz. Just don't let him get to you." the captain, who was smiling, warned Amanda. Amanda went on the horse. She also noticed how the horse winked at her, but thought "I am up too early to deal with any c**p", thinking her lack of sleep is getting to her.

As she usually did, Veronica woke up early the next day. Something that was unusual, however, was that her servant had not. This would not do.

"You need to wake up now" She said, pulling down the sleeping Amelia on the floor.

"Whu-"

"You need to help me get prepared. You work for me now and remember what you were supposed to do each morning?"

Sitting up and raising her fist in front of her, looking at it she answered "Uh, help you get dressed, prepare breakfast and, uhm..." Every item she raised a finger. "I'm sorry, miss, I don't remember the last thing"

"Get me my make-up and mirror, girl. As you can see you've already failed at the second and third tasks but I shall overlook that this first day. Now be a dear and get me some breakfast"

"Yes, miss"

~~

The sun was just rising as they walked out the door, Victoria first with Amelia shortly behind. "Girl, shade"

"Y-yes miss" Amelia hurriedly answered, unfolding the parasol and holding it up to block the suns rays.

"Very good, girl. Now come, we have much to do. Tell me, where would I be able to find some high ranking military commanders?"

"I'm not sure, miss. We only have a recruitment office and a small guard tower and the office isn't open this early"

"Then take me to the Guard tower"

"Yes miss"

~~

The walk wasn't long, merely taking a few minutes. The building itself wasn't very tall, akin more to a barracks than a tower. Soldiers were milling around, not doing much and the gate was opened. Victoria strode forward like she owned the place and walked right past the guards who seemed content just staring after her. Once in the yard she noticed some one shouting at a group of what she assumed were recruits. Some whispers and talking among the soldiers hinted that most of them were to be shipped further inland within the week, some today.

"Excuse me... Constable but I wish to see the commander of this place" Victoria interrupted, reading the mans badges.

"Wait, who are you? Who let you in-!?" he was about to start bark but before he could he was interrupted by Amelia.

"This is Countess Narsila Maron Hetania Veronica Victoalia, first of her name and she is here on behalf of King Paret Xol, first of his name."

"What? She is?" the man confusedly asked Amelia.

"Yes, I am. Why else would I go to this desolate, miserable mud pile? Now tell me, where can I find whoever is in charge?"

"That would be Captain Audris, He should be inside. I-I'll show you the way."

~~

Victoria was led into a room where a man, which she presumed was Audris, sat at a desk and was writing something.

"Captain, some noblewoman wishes to see you on behalf of-" the constable beganbut was once again interrupted by Amelia.

"This 'noblewoman' is none other than Countess Narsila Maron Hetania Veronica Victoalia, first of her name and you'd do well remembering that, whelp"

"And what are you doing here? I am busy" Captain Audris replied without looking up at the commotion he interrupted, Amelia and the Constable glaring daggers at each other.

"I need an audience with Athard Gerey. My reasons are between me and the King"

"Yeah, sure. I'll get you a letter once I'm done with this"

"I don't think you realize what I said" Victoria bent down, grabbed Audris chin and forced him to make eye contact with her. "You will write that Letter right now So I can get off this miserable little Island sooner rather than later, Do you understand?" Her voice was stronger and deeper, almost echoing as she channeled a bit of magic to make it more impactful. Audris was visibly starting to get uncomfortable before his chin was let go again and he reached for another piece of paper.

"Would you like a ride out to Fort Geham or can you get there yourself, madam? We have a caravan going later today you can join. We'll have a wagon ready for you"

Sir David woke up in the early morning. It was still dark on the outside. He was had a terrible headacke and a new lover after drinking. Dave sitted up and take up his armour.
His left the porttown of Connin, whit some hiredblade and a hot innkeeper lady for companion.

To say that the road to Geham was crowded would be an understatement. Countless soldiers and mercenaries were making their way to the Karstonian fort. Gulston was no exception, and he had been travelling from sunrise till sunset on a trade caravan before reaching the destination.

Fort Geham existed on Svad for as long as anyone can remember. In the past ages it was the capital of Narghone, an ancient Oscetan kingdom, but was abandoned under mysterious circumstances. The young Mebruan country tried to take over the island, but was stopped at Geham which was occupied by Karstonians. A long war ensued, but it wouldn't seem to end. A truce was signed after years of fighting, and the west side of the island remained under Mebruan control, while Karston kept the east side.
Now what's left of ancient Geham are walls and towers. The keep was built by Karstonians, who also added a second layer of walls outside the old ones. The fortress was seemingly impenetrable - located upon a hill, with it's northern and eastern side protected by Mount Akron and a dry moat to keep the attackers at bay while the archers would pick them off from the safety of the towers, it would appear that only the worst of the commanders would be unable to defend it.

The gate stood wide open, and the draw bridge was down. Gulston got out of the caravan's wagon he was traveling in when they were in front of the walls. The caravanners were halted by the guards for an inspection. Gulston presented the badge he was wearing to one of the guardsmen and was let inside.
Behind the outer walls lay the civilian area with houses, a number of inns, a blacksmith, traders and other services. Deeper within, however, stood the old walls and the Geham keep itself which represented the center of Karstonian influence on the island.

The night has already fallen, and Gulston decided to rent a room in one of the inns before going further.
____________

As he woke up early in the morning, Titus planned his next moves, he recalled the choices he was offered on where to offer his services.
After the usual prayer he consulted with the head priest on the best destination for his job.
Eventually he settled for Fort Geham, as he understood the bulk of the fighting would most probably occur there and as such, there would be a greater need for him.

As he prepared to depart the temple he was gifted some supplies for his voyage, as well as some advice on how to interact with the locals.

His choice of mount was a mule, so as to have some coin left for other expenses, and left for the fort. Along the way he met a group of soldiers, although some of them greeted the priest with scorn the commander was more complacent offering Titus to walk side by side with him.

The two got along well, the commander was a deeply religious man and always liked being in company of priests, even though the recent events regarding the previous head priest had made him more wary, nonetheless he continued talking about his experience in the military and how he resented his troops' irreligiosity.

Titus nodded, and offered to work on the group and make them strict adherents to the word of Avalaya.
____________
PLVTOCRATIC AND REACTIONARY DEMOCRACIES OF THE WEST

After a long, and fortunately duel-less day, Zayl, as well as dozens of others enrolled with the Karston military reached their destination. After a brief stop by the guardsmen, Zayl was allowed entry into the walled city. The fort in fort Geham was a deceiving name, for this was one of the old and massive fortifications. As it evening already, Zayl went to hunt for an inn. Few were suitable for Zayl, but eventually he found one to suit his tastes, as much as was possible on the frontier.
((as per magic of coincidences this is the same inn that Gulston is staying as well))
Zayl sat by the bar, and ordered himself a meal. The selection was scarce, due to it being a bit late, but eventually Zayl settled for a lamb stew with a jug of wine to go with it.
There were some other members of either Karstonian army or mercenaries in service of the crown. They mostly were keeping to their own devices, wether it was wenches, ale or gambling.
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Lithuanian folklore:
The Good and the Evil grab a few beers and go to watch how the neighbor's house is burning down.
* * *
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior

After looking around the room he had rented, Gulston went to the bar and ordered some meat and scallion for dinner. There he noticed the dark person that was in Connin's inn the day before. He had a golden badge on his sleeve.

"Gold? There's more than meets the eye about him. A golden badge isn't handed to just about anyone who goes to sign up; he must be skillful, maybe even a magic user. It would be in my best interests if I teamed up with him, then", Gulston thought to himself before engaging in a conversation with the mysterious figure.
"Greetings, you were in Connin yesterday, correct?" Gulston said, "My name's Gulston Jarrett, a sellsword hailing from Fistel, here to earn some coin. I will be frank with you - you seem like you'd be a powefull ally, and I ask you to join forces with me for the time being. Are you interested in my offer?"
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Yawning, Lucy rubbed some rheum from her eyes. She swept her glasses off her end table and gave them a wiping, before sliding them on to her nose.

"My, they work fast", she mumbled groggily eyeing a letter that had been slid under her door.

She picked it up, a treble clef was printed on the wax seal. She snapped it open and read it quickly, then shoved it in her coat. Time to leave. She made her way out of the inn and into dawn's blinding light. Need to get to Fort Geham, yes, but there is no way she was walking. She whistled her way over to the edge of town. Looking to procure some transportation, she found a wagon filled with produce. She walked up to the driver who was currently engaged in absently chewing on a mint leaf.

She climbed in to the cart and nestled in between to bags filled with grain. A few more coins sprayed the driver from behind.

"I didn't have breakfast", she said snatching a pear out of another sack. He grumbled, pocketed the money, and drove the wagon onto the road.

Lucy watched the road lazily, it was covered in soldiers and mercenaries. Some of them were even cute, well, as cute as Karstonians could be anyway. Smiling, she flipped a coin and winked.

"So", she said to the driver, "Is all talk out?"
"Yes."
"C'mon, it would break the monotony. Besides, I would just LOVE to know why you are so grumpy."
"I would rather listen to my horse sh1t."
"Okay, if you put it like that."

With that option closed Lucy began to run through her thoughts. Her thoughts, often taking the form of a sludge of mad ramblings, must have been quite thrilling today as, before she knew it, the sun was almost gone and they were right outside Fort Geham. A guard approached the wagon.

"All provisions for the garrison", the driver said.
"Who is the woman?"

Lucy flashed her gold badge.

"Very well."

The guard searched the wagon to his satisfaction, then ushered them through. Lucy hopped to the ground and began stretching, the wagon rapidly leaving. It was not long before she felt a tap on her shoulder. The ginger haired man had a heavily freckled face, and was wearing a black cloak connected by a silver Karstonian mercenary badge. On his belt, however, was a dull, iron treble clef.

"Glad to see you made it safely", he said smiling mischievously.
"Was I in danger?"
"No, but who knows what may happen in the road."
"Do you have my report?"
"Indeed."

He slipped her a small scroll. She opened it and read it hastily.

"Not even a skirmish?"
"Nope, it has been pretty dry so far, not sure how much longer that will last though."
"Will you be ready to receive goods?"
"Of course."
"Good, take this.", she handed him a vial of clear purple liquid, "It will make the goods more profitable. Remember, send all your earnings to me, and if the goods start to spoil dispose of them."
"As you wish", he said bowing. Pocketing the vial he began to leave.

"What are the inns like?", she hollered after him.
"This is a fort everything is rubbish", he answered.

To be expected. It was already dark and she was not going to waste time looking at different inns. Finding one she went in and bought a room. Tiredly she found a table.

"Whatever stew you have bring some, with bread and wine. Also I have been sitting in a supply cart all day so I will be having a bath too."
"Hmm", the barkeeper said in some nebulous form of recognition and went to fetch her order. Yawning, she began to spin her badge as she waited.
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"Don't resist the force. Redirect it. Water over rock."-blizzardboy

- Well met Gulston- Zayl said after finishing his goblet of wine. - We are Zayl, and yes we were there yesterday. I believe we sailed on the same ship.- he paused to refill his goblet.
- Well, we could use another pair of hands and eyes. You seem a capable lad. How are you at diversions, and stealth?
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Lithuanian folklore:
The Good and the Evil grab a few beers and go to watch how the neighbor's house is burning down.
* * *
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior